Issue - meetings

The committee will be provided with a report which follows the report received by the committee on 8^th January 2019 which detailed progress on apprenticeships within the council’s workforce since the implementation of the apprenticeship levy in May 2017.

The committee is asked to provided comments regarding the new update.

This document will be published as a supplement to the agenda.

The Committee received a report by the Director, Human Resources & Organisational Development which provided an update on the progress on apprenticeships since the last report in January 2019 including the Council’s spend against the apprenticeship levy.

It was noted that the total number of apprenticeships employed by the Council since the levy was introduced was 206, this being 185 within the Council and 21 within Wiltshire schools as at 29 August 2019. 30 of these were new recruits of which 10 had completed their training and had moved into permanent posts. Permanent employment on completion of apprenticeship training was guaranteed by the Council, which was one of the Council’s selling points setting us apart from other employers.  The remaining 155 were existing employees who were upskilling.

It was explained that more engagement with schools had been taking place to encourage them to use their contribution to the levy. This had so far resulted in a small increase in the number of apprenticeships but it was expected that this would continue.

Apprenticeships were continuing to be targeted to care leavers. An introduction of core skills to all role descriptions had been added after feedback had been received that care leavers were unsure of what essential criteria was needed.

The Director further reported that apprenticeships in social work were being introduced during the next year and it was anticipated that this would help with recruitment.   

During discussion, Members enquired if details of apprenticeships at each level per department were available and the Director agreed to provide this for Members.

Resolved:

To note the report and the progress that had been made with the recruitment of new apprentices and the use of the levy for upskilling current staff.